Hundreds arrested after Microsoft data center protest turns violent

The protest organized by the Stop Dirty Data Centers coalition demanded a halt to AI data center expansion. According to a Facebook post by the authorities, tools designed for breaking into the site were seized from the protesters before they were allowed to continue their demonstration peacefully.

However, some members of the group entered the construction site "with violence," forcing police intervention. Officers also found allegedly stolen items from the construction site among protesters' belongings, along with damage and vandalism to the data center facility.

Protest escalation

The incident highlights growing tensions between tech companies and environmental groups over data center expansion. Microsoft has not yet commented on the specific allegations or the extent of damage at the facility.